Thriving & Surviving

Pet Peeves: Why is everyone so annoying?

In this episode, we vent about the little everyday things that slowly chip away at your sanity — from frustrating customer service bots and painfully slow drivers and walkers, to queue jumpers, missing manners, and the absolute chaos of trying to eat out with children.
We share real-life stories, laugh at ourselves, and admit that some days the patience just isn’t there. But alongside the moaning, we also talk about empathy — especially when it comes to parents navigating public spaces with kids, doing their best under pressure.
This episode is light-hearted, honest and very real, with a reminder that a little kindness (and patience) goes a long way.Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

Dating Again in Your 30s

In this episode, we’re joined by our friend Jess for an honest, unfiltered conversation about dating in your 30s.
We talk about what it’s really like to break free after a long-term relationship, step back into dating, navigate apps, set boundaries and figure out what you actually want — especially when children, independence and self-reliance are part of the conversation.
Jess shares her personal story of a long-distance relationship that led to a life-changing move, and together we open up about the challenges, freedom and emotional shifts that come with singlehood in your 30s.
We also talk about societal pressure, expectations around motherhood and relationships, and how learning to choose yourself can be both terrifying and empowering.
This episode is honest, reflective and full of real talk — for anyone dating later in life, starting again, or questioning the “rules” we’ve all been taught to follow.
 
Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

Family Trips Unfiltered

In this episode, we recap a recent winter getaway to the Lake District with four kids and all the highs and lows that come with travelling as a family. From a beautiful cabin stay and little moments of calm to rainy days, closed attractions and the general chaos of travelling with children, we share what the trip was really like.
We talk about the realities of holidays with little ones. The long journeys, the packing, the disrupted routines and the emotional ups and downs, especially when you’re navigating it all as a single parent. While trips like this aren’t always relaxing, they often create the kind of memories and confidence that make it all worth it.
We finish by chatting about upcoming plans, future trips, and what’s coming next for the podcast. If you think you’d be a great guest on Thriving & Surviving or have a story you’d love to share, please email thrivingandsurviving.pod@gmail.com
 
Here is the link to our article: https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/newmarket/news/new-podcast-sees-business-mums-thriving-and-surviving-9450575/
 
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Behind the Screens: Dealing With Online Trolling

In this episode, we open up about our own experiences with online trolling and abuse and the reality of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of it. From nasty comments and fake accounts to the emotional impact it can have behind the scenes, we talk honestly about how it’s affected us and how we’ve learned to deal with it.
We share the coping tools that have helped us most, including mindset shifts, gratitude, blocking, muting and setting firm boundaries online, and why protecting your peace has to come first. We also talk about resilience, community, and the importance of having people around you who get it and have your back.
The conversation naturally leads into wider concerns around social media, influencer culture, and the impact all of this can have, especially on children and young people. We chat about using platforms more responsibly, knowing when to step back, and remembering there’s a real human on the other side of the screen.
Don't forget to follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

From Survival to the Stage: Kirstie's Story

**Trigger Warning - Baby Loss**
In this episode, we sit down with Kirstie, an IFBB bikini pro, former dancer, and online fitness coach, to explore the journey behind the athlete.
Kirstie shares how she transitioned from the world of dance and pageantry into professional bodybuilding, built a successful online coaching business, and found discipline, identity, and confidence through fitness.
But this conversation goes far beyond competition prep.
Kirstie opens up about one of the most traumatic periods of her life: an emergency delivery, time spent in NICU, and the heartbreaking loss of one of her twins. She speaks candidly about grief, postpartum recovery, and the mental and physical toll of rebuilding herself after trauma.
We talk about returning to the stage after motherhood, redefining strength, and how community, purpose, and movement became anchors during her healing. This is an honest, emotional conversation about resilience, identity, and what it really means to come back stronger when life changes everything.
A powerful listen for anyone navigating loss, motherhood, body confidence, or rebuilding after a life-altering chapter.

The Chaos We’ll Miss One Day

We chat candidly about bedtime battles, co-sleeping and the bittersweet reality of watching our children grow up — from dummies and bottles to first beds and potty training.
We also open up about ageing, self-care and aesthetics, dating after children, health anxieties, and the constant tug between wanting time to slow down while knowing we’re always rushing ahead.
This episode is a reminder to pause, take a breath, and savour the stage you’re in right now. We close with the touching poem “Love Letter to Right Now”, because sometimes the magic is in the moment we’re living — even when it feels messy.Don't forget to download this podcast & follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

Routine, Resilience & Releasing Mum Guilt

In this episode of Thriving & Surviving, we’re having an honest, unfiltered conversation about the realities of motherhood, routines, and letting go of impossible expectations.
We talk about what mornings really look like behind the scenes, from strict routines that keep neurodivergent children regulated, to the chaos that comes when plans change. We dive into nursery mornings vs school mornings, working around childcare, and why routine can be both a lifeline and a source of pressure.
This episode also explores the emotional weight mums carry, especially when children hit milestones at different times. We share lived experiences around developmental delays, speech challenges, comparisons, and why raising children “the same” doesn’t mean they’ll grow the same. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough, this conversation is for you.
We also touch on• Parenting children with additional needs• Mum guilt around screen time and working from home• Why milestones can be helpful but also harmful• Letting go of comparison culture• How personality plays a bigger role than parenting perfection• Creating routines that support your mental health too• Raising independent kids without burning yourself out
This is a grounded, reassuring listen for mums who are juggling work, kids, routines, emotions, and everything in between. No judgement. No perfection. Just real life.
🎧 Grab a cup of tea, pop this on, and remember you’re doing better than you think.
Dont forget to download this episode & follow us on instagram @thrivingandsurviving.pod

Let’s Talk Women’s Health

We share honest, open conversations about women’s health, including the reality of being dismissed by healthcare professionals, living with endometriosis and adenomyosis, and the impact these conditions can have on fertility, postpartum care and everyday life.
We read listener stories and discuss diagnosis delays, navigating the NHS, smear tests, treatment options, and the ongoing need for better awareness, education and support around women’s health, highlighting why listening to women and taking their symptoms seriously matters more than ever.
Find us on instagram at @thrivingandsurviving.pod

Where's the Village? Finding Your Mum Network

In this episode we explore the modern “village” — the friends, family and groups who support parents. We share how we met at baby group, the value of mum-friends, and the realities of single parenting, grandparents’ help, and finding support when it’s missing.
This episode covers the challenges of planning life around children, juggling social life and guilt, and why non‑biological family and trusted role models matter just as much as blood relatives.
 
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Young Mum to Salon Owner with Vicky of Edit Clinics

In this episode of Thriving and Surviving we sit down with Vicky, the powerhouse behind Edit Clinics. Vicky became a mum at just 20 years old and built her freelance makeup business from home while caring for a newborn. No childcare, no perfect plan, just pure grit and passion.
We talk about what it really looks like to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship in the early days. The identity shifts, the loneliness, the pressure to show up for clients and your child at the same time and how she pushed through every setback.
Vicky shares her journey from freelancing to owning a salon with a team and now preparing to move into a bigger premises. We explore the highs and lows she faced along the way and the mindset she had to build to keep going.
We also dive into the importance of self care, protecting your time and finding the space to be a woman outside of your business and children. Vicky is the perfect example of someone who embodies both thriving and surviving and this episode is full of honesty, inspiration and permission to slow down when you need to.
Whether you are a mum in business, a beauty professional or just someone building a life you love this episode will speak to you. Grab a cuppa and join us for a real conversation about growth, resilience and the reality behind success.
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Follow Vicky here: @editclinics & @makeup.at.edit